Winter storms and freezing temperatures can be difficult and dangerous for four-legged family members. But no matter the weather, our canine friends need to get out to play or go to the bathroom, no matter how cold. Below are some tips for keeping your dog warm and safe this winter.
Tip #1: Don’t shave your dog in winter
All dogs, have two layers, of fur : the undercoat, and the outer coat1. Both serve to keep your dog warm in winter and cool in summer. In winter, it’s essential to keep both layers intact, so your dog doesn’t get cold. 2 However, even the heaviest dog can benefit from a sweater or coat when venturing outside in freezing weather.
Tip 2: Use a winter coat for dogs
Although dogs have fur that keeps them warm, not all breeds like being outside in cold weather, every puppy tolerates the cold differently, depending on his breed:
Breed
Size
Age
Type of coat
Ensure the garment fits appropriately – not too tight or loose – with a comfortable lining that does not restrict movement. Two fingers should fit comfortably between the garment and your dog’s neck, similar to a collar.
Tip #3: Have your dog wear a badge
A winter landscape can confuse and disorient dogs.2 Snow can mask familiar smells and sights that dogs often rely on to get home if they get lost. Therefore, always wear an up-to-date identification tag on your dog’s collar. Remember, the best way to find your dog quickly if he gets lost is to microchip him.
Tip #4: Spend less time outdoors
Dogs, like humans, are at risk of hypothermia and frostbite from prolonged exposure to cold. Keep in mind, however, that air temperature is one of many outdoor rinks. Wind chill, ice, and snow can increase a dog’s risk of hypothermia or frostbite.
Symptoms of hypothermia in Dogs
Hypothermia can occur when the body temperature drops dangerously low (usually below 99 degrees in a dog). It can appear suddenly, depending on breed and body size. Smaller dogs have more body surface area, making them more likely to get chilled. Of course, dogs with less fat and less hair are more at risk, as are very young or old dogs3.
Early signs of hypothermia in dogs include:3
Pale skin
Excessive shivering
Lethargy
Prevention of hypothermia in Dogs
Young and older dogs, injured dogs, and thin-skinned breeds are particularly susceptible to hypothermia. Time spent outdoors should be limited during the winter. Coats, sweaters, and booties are helpful, but the best prevention against hypothermia is to avoid exposure to the cold.3
What to do if you are concerned about hypothermia:
Take your dog to a warm environment, preferably in a house.
Wrap him in warm blankets. You can warm the blankets by placing them in a dryer.
Place a hot water bottle in the blankets to increase the heat.
Consult a veterinarian.
What NOT to do:
Do not use hot water bottles or heating pads that are too hot or placed directly on the skin. This can cause burns or cause superficial blood vessels to dilate, resulting in shock.
Symptoms of frostbite in Dogs
Dogs are also at risk for frostbite, which occurs when the skin is exposed to cold temperatures for an extended period. The most at-risk body parts are those with the least amount of fur and subcutaneous fat, such as the nose, ears, tail, or paws. Frostbite can occur at ambient temperatures well above freezing, low wind chill, or when pets are exposed to water.4
Symptoms depend on the severity of the frostbite but may include:5
Pale blue or gray skin color
Skin is firm and cold to the touch
Chills
Pain when touching the affected area
Treating frostbite in Dogs
If you suspect your dog has frostbite, bring him inside and dry his coat immediately. You can use a warm blanket to raise your dog’s body temperature, but do not rub or massage the frozen area. Consult your veterinarian immediately!
In an emergency or with the help of a veterinarian, warming the affected tissue may help reduce skin damage. Bathe affected areas in warm water for at least 20 minutes or until thawing is complete and avoid further exposure to cold. 6
Thawing after frostbite and wounds that may occur during healing is extremely painful, so prompt veterinary attention is necessary to avoid shock or permanent limb damage.5
How long should your dog stay outside in winter?
Unfortunately, there are no specific guidelines on how much time spent outdoors is too much for your puppy. However, most dogs do well outdoors when the temperature is 45 degrees or higher7.
Most dogs need shelter (and possibly booties) when the temperature drops below freezing. If the temperature is below 20 degrees, minimize outdoor activities.7 Also, keep in mind that in addition to air temperature, wind chill and humidity levels can affect your dog’s body heat and pose a risk to him while outdoors.
Tip #5: Beware of winter chemicals
Chemicals from de-icing or salt, antifreeze (ethylene glycol), and carbon monoxide from idling cars can pose a risk to your dog if ingested or exposed in large quantities.2 De-icing can also cause foot irritation from simple skin contact.
Always wipe your dog’s paws after going outside to remove any salt or melting ice he may have stepped in. Although propylene glycol is sold as a “pet safe” antifreeze, compared to its more dangerous cousin, ethylene glycol, it is still toxic in large quantities.
When digested, propylene glycol (the “safer” antifreeze) is converted to lactate (metabolized), which is an acid. In toxic amounts, severe pH imbalance, liver damage, and kidney failure are possible. Clinical signs of propylene glycol toxicity include lethargy and weakness, staggering or stumbling, and convulsions.8
Consult your veterinarian immediately if your pet has ingested a “safe” antifreeze.
Tip #6: Don’t leave your dog in a cold car
If it’s cloudy, overcast, snowy, rainy, or windy, dogs can get dangerously cold if left alone in the car.2 If you plan to take your pup with you on errands, it’s best to have someone sit in the car with them to assess the comfort of the interior temperature and turn on the heater if necessary.
Tip #7:Â Get your dog involved in winter storm planning.
If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions (snow storms, blizzards or ice storms), be prepared to keep your dog safe in an emergency. Stock up on food, water, medication, and pet care items in your family emergency kit, and have a safety plan in case of a power outage or evacuation. Also, have a spare leash with an identification tag in an accessible location, and make sure a family member is designated to watch your dog.
Tip #8: Watch for winter hazards
When venturing outside in extreme winter conditions, stay aware of your surroundings. With a bit of care and preparation, you and your dog can make it through the winter safely by following a few common sense tips:
Keep your dog on a leash and watch out for winter hazards in the environment, such as low visibility, icicles, and fallen branches.
Watch out for patches of ice that can cause frostbite or paw injuries.
Never let your dog walk on frozen lakes, ponds, or rivers, even if the ice appears thick.
Watch for signs of discomfort in your dog.
Watch for signs of extreme cold.
